Friday 9 August 2013

The Barmy Army and The Fanatics in T20 action at Chester-le-Street

The Barmy Army and The Australian Fanatics announced their arrival in Durham during a t20 match at Chester-le-Street Cricket Ground in the 'Fans Ashes',

Both sets of rival supporters put their differences aside to join forces against a Australian XI, who are group of cricketers from Australia touring the country.



The Aussie XI won the toss and elected to bat first and amassed a total of 154 in their 20 overs, with some big hitting as they put the 'Barmyatics' bowling attack to the sword.

In reply the Barmyatics struggled to match the hitting power of the Aussie XI, as they lost regular wickets as they could only managed 119-7 in a 35-run defeat.



However, the result was seen as a non-entity as both teams shook hands and celebrated at the end of the game.

Paul Burnham, managing director of the Barmy Army, said: "The Barmy Army challenged the Fanatics a few years ago and we suggested seeing as both sets of supporters are around the Test, why don't we have a nice game of cricket.

"It is all good fun, the fans should be involved in the spirit of cricket just as much as they players are asked to and that's what the Barmy Army has done over the years. We're having a great time and these guys have spent an awful lot of money coming over Australia and we know how they feel.

"We can't wait for Friday and the banter on the terraces no doubt, we're really looking forward to Durham it's an amazing place to come to, I love this part of the world, it has some of the friendliest people in the world."



Julia Burford, of the Fanatics, said: "We've been touring for about three weeks. It's a lovely area to play and watch cricket and it isn't raining like it was in Manchester. It's nice to be able to get out and get on the pitch.

"We've been in contact with the Barmy Army for  a while now and this game is a good way to build friendships and have a good laugh along with a few beers. It's a bit of a love/hate relationship but there's a mutual respect, we might hate each other on it, but off it we're great mates."

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